“Sungmin Park’s Master’s Diploma”

“Sungmin Park’s Master’s Diploma”

By: Jasmine Seo

  • Creator: Sungmin Park, University of Southern California
  • Publisher: University of Southern California
  • Place: Los Angeles, California
  • Date: May 8th, 1998
  • Institution: University of Southern California, Keck School of Medicine, Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology
  • Language: English
  • Collection: N/A
  • Content Description: The artifact is a graduate school diploma. It is a certification that proves that Sungmin Park has received her Master of Science (M.S.) degree in Molecular Microbiology and Immunology 1998 from University of Southern California. It includes signatures of Steven B. Sample, President of the University (1991-2010), Malcolm R. Currie, Chairman of the Board of Trustees (1995-2000), and Stephen J. Ryan, Dean of Keck School of Medicine (1991-1999).
  • Type: document

My family artifact is my aunt, Sungmin Park’s master’s degree diploma. She has received her degree of Master of Science (M.S.) in Molecular Microbiology and Immunology from University of Southern California in 1998. After receiving her bachelor’s degree in South Korea, Sungmin moved to Los Angeles, CA in 1996 to improve her English skills and prepare for the Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) with the goal of attending graduate school in the biological sciences. This document represents the importance of education to not only Sungmin herself, but also to other members of my family, who have immigrated to the United States to pursue their education. Our intentions to receive higher education and English education have shaped the way our family views, pursues, and shares our values in education.

After the Immigration Act of 1965 was passed, the number of Asian immigrants drastically increased. This included groups of students, like Sungmin, who came with the intention of pursuing higher education. The selective immigration system that gave preference to individuals with specialized skills and qualifications led to a high representation of Asians in the science and engineering fields. Due to their academic attainment and high-level occupations, Asian Americans were portrayed as the “model minority” by the American media.

The artifact illuminates different forms and narratives of immigration in Asian American history. While most Asian immigrants in the 19th and early 20th century were immigrant workers, their demographics and intentions have changed. Today, Asians make up the biggest group of international students; Koreans are the third largest ethnic group of international students. Compared to Asian Americans, these students experience unique challenges, such as limited mobility and activity, smaller social circles, language barriers, culture shock, conflict with guardians, and reduced communication with their friends and family back home.

Keyword: Education, Immigration, Korean, International student, Class